ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — A former CEO of a Belmont County treatment facility for children and teenagers is facing federal charges involving child sexual abuse material and the attempted enticement of a minor. Federal investigators have also identified him as a suspect in a separate kidnapping and rape investigation involving a 14-year-old girl.
Randall J. MacKendrick, 59, of St. Clairsville, appeared in federal court in Columbus on Monday, October 26, following his arrest in West Virginia over the weekend.
MacKendrick previously served as CEO of Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents in St. Clairsville, a residential treatment facility serving children and teenagers.
Federal investigators allege that MacKendrick began communicating online in June 2026 with an undercover North Ridgeville police officer posing as a 14-year-old girl. Over the following months, he allegedly sent sexually explicit messages, offered gifts and attempted to arrange an in-person meeting.
According to federal charging documents, MacKendrick traveled to several central Ohio locations in July, including Polaris Fashion Place, Tanger Outlets and a Holiday Inn, in an effort to meet the person he believed was a teenager.
In August, authorities arrested MacKendrick after he allegedly traveled to a park in Lorain County for another planned meeting. Investigators reported finding multiple sexual items and three cell phones inside his vehicle.
Following that arrest, Belmont County Sheriff’s Office detectives searched his home and office. A forensic examination of electronic devices allegedly uncovered images and videos containing child sexual abuse material.
MacKendrick was released on bond but arrested again in September after investigators learned he had allegedly been communicating with a 17-year-old former patient of Fox Run. His bond was increased, and he was subsequently released.
The investigation expanded in October when FBI agents identified MacKendrick as a suspect in a separate Perry County case involving the kidnapping and rape of a 14-year-old girl in May 2026.
Federal authorities reported that MacKendrick’s DNA matched evidence recovered from the victim. The Perry County investigation remains ongoing, and no conviction has been established in connection with those allegations.
MacKendrick now faces federal charges of possession of child pornography and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
The possession charge carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years, while the attempted coercion and enticement charge carries a possible sentence ranging from 10 years to life in prison.
The investigation involves the FBI, North Ridgeville Police Department and Belmont County Sheriff’s Office, with federal prosecutors handling the case in the Southern District of Ohio.
All charges and allegations remain subject to court proceedings. MacKendrick is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
